ICELAND
wool adventure
October 5 - 11, 2024
Sold Out
$4,250 USD
A one-time-only rare trip: join us as we traverse the southern coast of Iceland, meeting fiber artists and the iconic sheep of the region.
In the world of wool, Icelandic sheep are renowned for their great diversity and quality. Sheep are believed to have been brought to Iceland by Viking settlers in the ninth century. Due to the island’s remote location, Iceland’s sheep have evolved in isolation for over 1,000 years, creating a unique breed. The sheep are dual-coated with both inner and outer fibers, ranging in over 30 natural colors including black, rust brown, and yellow.
During our textile tour, guests will participate in a natural dye workshop, spinning demo, and multi-day knitting excursions in scenic rural settings. We’ll have the opportunity to visit hot springs, ride horses, and enjoy the breathtaking rural landscapes that surround us.
an unforgettable craft experience
in scenic Iceland
knitting teacher,
helga thoroddsen
Helga Thoroddsen is a passionate knitwear designer as well an enthusiast about everything that has to do with creating beautiful and unique textiles.
She has a M.Sc. degree in textile science from Colorado State University as well as a B.Ed degree from Iceland University of Education with emphasis on textiles and crafts.
Sweaters are a special passion as is sample knitting and figuring out the most stubborn knitting patterns to the point of losing sleep when things do not work out. You can find her knitting patterns for sale on Ravelry.
Helga will provide 2-3 Icelandic knitting patterns for guests to choose from for their knitting project during this trip.
cohost,
hannah haworth
Hannah Haworth has been interested in textile making since she was a child, fortunate to grow up in a small indigenous village in the Philippines with a very rich weaving culture. As a teenager she returned to her native Scotland and she became more and more interested in knitting and its ancestral practices there. She studied sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art where she knitted several large-scale sculptures of animals and other natural forms, which she continued to produce and exhibit throughout her 20s when she moved the US. At that time she began working in design in NYC and started really enjoying making (mostly knitted) garments for herself and friends whilst learning more about clothes.
In 2016, she moved upstate to the Catskill mountains and founded her textile company ‘Handa’ where she currently offers a small range of knitting patterns that she designs in partnership with small farms/yarn producers that work with minimally processed and naturally dyed wool. Handa also offers handmade textiles from all over the world, beginning with the textiles of the village she grew up in.
itinerary
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Guests arrive to Reykjavik. We will share our suggestion list of our favorite things to do in the city.
Group welcome dinner and trip orientation.
Overnight in Reykjavik *Accommodation not included.
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Natural dyes workshop.
Farm-to-table lunch at a rural farm restaurant.
Afternoon hot spring visit.
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Morning siteseeing excursion.
Group lunch.
Afternoon visit to Uppspuni fiber mill, with spinning demo and wool discussion.
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Optional horseback ride to a waterfall.
Lunch and knitting at the waterfall.
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Scenic knitting along the southern coast.
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Scenic knitting along the southern coast.
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Visit a favorite yarn shop to purchase supplies to take home.
Group lunch and afternoon visit to a favorite hot spring.
Return to Reykjavik.
TRIP DETAILS
GROUP
This trip is limited to 7 guests, who will accompanied by 2 Thread Caravan trip facilitators and our Icelandic hosts.
PRICING + PAYMENT
Pricing is $4,250 USD.
A non-refundable deposit is required in order to reserve your space on the trip. The remaining payment is due at least 2 months prior to the trip start date.
Scholarships are not available for this trip, but we encourage guests to apply for third-part grants when able.
ACCOMMODATION
This is one of the few trips in which we will be changing accommodation location during the trip — we will stay at rural but comfortable boutique accommodation options along the southern coast of Iceland.
All accommodation is shared room.
Accommodation in Reykjavik before and after our time together is not included; however, we are happy to share suggestions of hotels in the city.
As we will change hotels several times, we ask that everyone pack lightly (carry-on bag only).
IMPORTANT NOTES
Knitting Experience: This experience is for beginner to advanced knitters. We do ask that each guest have at least some experience knitting. If you currently have no prior experience, no problem: we suggest getting some yarn and needles from your local yarn shop, and watching a couple Youtube videos to make a simple scarf.
Weather: This time of year will be cold in Iceland. Iceland weather can change instantly, and its likely that we will experience a range of weather conditions during our trip: sun, rain, high winds and possibly snow. This contributes to both the adventure of the trip, and to the beauty of Iceland’s nature.
As many of our activities will be outdoors, we ask that guests be prepared for these conditions.Mobility: During this trip, activities include hiking and horseback riding. Please let us know prior to booking if you have limited mobility or will require special assistance.
Extra Time in Iceland: This trip will have guests returning to Reykjavik in the late afternoon of our last day together. We suggest booking an evening flight, or staying in Reykjavik for an extra night.
VISA: US citizens may travel in Iceland for up to 90 days without a tourist visa. If you are traveling from another country, please contact us or check visa requirements before reserving a space on this trip.
Passport Validity: Passport must have at least 3 months validity at time of entry as well as at least one empty page.
Trip Preparation: We will send a trip preparation packet to you one month before the trip. It will include an exact itinerary, a suggested pack list, useful country information and more.
COST INCLUDES
Knitting Supplies: We will provide yarn, knitting needles and all other materials needed for the craft portion of this trip. There will also be the opportunity to purchase additional supplies to use and/or take home.
In-Country Transportation: Private shuttle service.
All Meals: All meals are included and will offer unique dining experiences whenever possible. In some rural locations, food options are limited.
Accommodation: At three rural but comfortable hotels with shared room occupancy.
Support: Two Thread Caravan trip facilitators will guide this experience in partnership with local guides and hosts. Our team will be available in the months leading up to the trip to help you prepare.
Carbon Emissions Offset: We’ve partnered with Sprout to plant 25 tress on your behalf in order to offset the carbon emissions of your travel to Iceland.
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
Accommodation in Reykjavik: on October 5 and 11
Airport transfers: We will pick guests up at hotels and/or a central meeting location in Reykjavik.
Airfare: To and from the Reykjavik airport
Personal Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance is required for this trip. Please find an insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
Extra Excursions: During our scheduled free time, guests will be responsible for all incurred expenses which may include spa services, and other tour activities.
Personal Expenses: Shopping, medicine, snacks, etc.
Alcoholic Drinks: Thread Caravan does not cover the cost of alcoholic beverages except when noted in the itinerary. Alcohol can be very expensive in Iceland; many people, including locals, choose to buy alcohol in the Duty-Free shop when entering the country
GETTING TO ICELAND
This trip starts and ends in Reykjavik. We ask that guests arrive by 4pm on the trip start day, and depart after 8pm on the trip end date. We would highly suggest spending additional days in Iceland if you are able.